Written by Hailey McFelia | Edited by Alexandra Erdman
Bouldering on the beach during summer and enjoying a picnic! What more could you ask for? So pull out your picnic blankets, put on your sunblock, and beachwear to get ready for our Summer 2024 Crag Cleanup!
Photo by: Hailey McFelia | Photo of: members of American Alpine Club helping pick up trash
What can you expect at Pirates Cove? The climbing here is mostly on the beach with a small cliff band and a cave. There are also a few boulders on the parking lot side of the hill that have a few problems on them. A good majority of the problems are V4 and under so it's very beginner friendly. That being said, the climbs are chossy so we recommend bringing a crash pad and some friends to spot you. Even though most of the climbs are over sand it’s best to put safety first. The problems are slightly tall so it will work your mental game. Since the climbs get wet with the tide, the holds can get pretty slimy, sand will get in your eyes, and also holds break here somewhat often.Keep in mind the beach is often packed during the summer, so be respectful of the beach goers.
Side Note: Crag Ethics say we should never climb on wet rock! Especially Sandstone! This is not just for the climbers safety, but those around them. It also changes the climbs as we climb the rock, the sandstone is so moldable and fragile, over time holds change and can even break off. Since it is unavoidable at Pirates Cove (due to the tide) it has become the only crag that has an exception to the “Don’t climb on wet rock” rule. Please climb with caution.
Photo by Harrison Vorhees | Climber: Anna Hazelnut
To find Pirates Cove type "Corona Del Mar State Beach" into whatever navigation app you use. The Pirate's Cove is on the far West Side about as far down Ocean Blvd as you can go. There is free parking to be found on the side streets dotting Ocean Blvd. The entrance to the beach is a downhill road on the SouthWest Side of Ocean Blvd with a sidewalk attached to it. From here if you look straight you'll see a rock formation straight ahead (if you're looking at the bathrooms it's to the right). On the other side of this rock formation is the beach and Pirate's Cove.
We can’t wait for y’all to join us for our Summer Crag Cleanup. Not only is it a way to give back to the climbing community, but it’s a great way to build and enrich our Sender One community! As a thank you for joining us, every participant will receive a free day pass card to any Sender One location. So bring your friends and family and we’ll see you there!
